Top Three Tarps

[@ricksilver7398]

DD tarp. Multiple tie out points and nicely reinforced.

[@bowdiersackett6433]

Love my DD 3x3

[@robertsbushcraft]

Aqua Quest is king of the hill for us! We've been under one in the outer bands of a hurricane, built rafts out of them and crossed rivers and lakes and more. I don't have experience with the other two tarps in the video but I am a huge fan of the Aqua Quest Defender and Safari tarps!

[@bermo61]

Litefighter is hard to find but their tarp costs as much as their tent so I am not sure about that. Free soldier is a Chinese company so that was a non starter for me. In the end I went with the AQ safari which is a perfect balance between light weight and strength combined with waterproof capability AQ is known for.

[@bermo61]

You can’t beat Aquaquest!

[@anthonymorelli67]

Dude!, I have owned a couple of aquaquest tarps now for about a year and they have both performed without any problems and I love em.

[@GruntProof]

It's 100% more epic that this video was the next recommendation after your boy CCs last video. The algorithm is getting smart.

[@uncletomscabin2073]

Cubby house corner.

[@STOKERMATIC]

😂🤣

[@88rollins]

This was very informative- the quality of your videos is really getting good. The drone shots from above showing the the tarps set up was well done for comparison.

[@odysseyoutdoors7579]

I have several of the Free Soldier tarps. Not the lightest but it's a full 10x10 with enough tie outs to do the job. You can get a woodland version that you can barely see the logo on.

[@rogerbartley3684]

Hey Stoker...I have a Aquaquest Defender 10x10 that I've had for about 4 years and I love it. Gonna be hard to beat by any company out there.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Hard to beat indeed!

[@rawhideadventures9515]

I have the Free Soldier in grey. I've used it about a dozen times and so far no issues. Longevity may be an issue but so far it's great.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Have had mine for going on 3. I don’t use it as much any more, but it’s still rocking!

[@KirstenBayes]

I have a couple of Aquaquests: a 10 x 10 Guide 40D sil nylon PU for 3 season use; plus a 10 x 10 Survivor 70D silnylon PU for 4 season/mountain stuff. So far so good, good build quality, but haven't had to test them: lucky with the weather. PS love the shout out for Andrew, he rocks.

[@STOKERMATIC]

🇺🇸🥃

[@HighlanderMikeGolf]

Sure beats a shelter-half. Especially if you don’t have a battle buddy.

[@KirstenBayes]

@@HighlanderMikeGolf yes! When I first started doing outdoors stuff it very much was the choice between a tarp/poncho or 10lb of shelter halves. I used a tarp for years even after tents got way better...

[@Dmac6969]

I am very happy with the aquaquest tarp. Good price, high quality. Had it in near freezing temperatures, heavy rain, heavy winds. It held up no issues. Litefighter multicam is sick i just wish it wasnt nearly as expensive

[@springbloom5940]

I shopped for almost 3 years before pulling the trigger on a Safari. I don't regret a moment or a cent. I abused it like a rented redheaded stepmule and completely destroyed it. AquaQuest decided I needed something stronger and replaced it with a Defender. While I like the Safari a lot better for my applications, the Defender is simply as tough and overall 'good' as it gets. Ive used a lot of 'FreeSoldier' class tarps and while many do perform very well for their price, they just dont hold up.

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Excellent review! I’ve only used the Aqua Quest Defender tarp, it is a solid heavy duty tarp. It’s heavy, but man, it’s built very well.

[@bermo61]

I almost went with the defender but switched to the safari due to weight savings. But that defender is a beast for sure!

[@Nobody13325]

Just finished testing my AQ Defender 10 x 10. I live in the woods of Missouri and, had it set up in an open front tent configuration with trekking poles for 3 weeks on our property. I spent some of the worst weather days and, a few nights. Inside of it in a Ranger roll and Thermarest pad. It has held up great through this so far. Given that we have had some very severe weather here lately. I watched this video before purchasing along with Randall's videos on Grunt Proof. Also watched quite a few of the other channels testing tarps. I can say that I am completely happy with the AQ Defender. Plan on using the shit out of it. When I take classes at Sigma 3 Survival School.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on!

[@Nobody13325]

@@STOKERMATIC thanks for the nod. Your videos are a regular part of how I choose my shit👍

[@dgdavis1600]

Bruh, thanks for posting this. I’ve been looking at tarp options for a few days now. I’m literally going through my process over over analyzing this now.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I’m sure you’ll get it figured out and be happy man. 👊

[@daveshirley]

Just bought a Free Soldier for the equivalent of $35. Im thinking of using it as a fair weather tarp in Spring Summer Autumn. At that price i certainly cant complain!!

[@ulnoohiker8983]

Hey Stoker, love your channel. Great review, I own the aquaquest safari 10x10 tarp and I have done an extensive research on tarps, and with all of the reviews I have seen, I went with aquaquest. Love my aquaquest tarp fron Canada.

[@STOKERMATIC]

They make great products!

[@bermo61]

We must have done the same research because that was my choice too!

[@LockeOutdoors]

That was a really good comparison video. Anything with a life long guarantee is gonna be a #1 choice for me. Its a tarp for life, essentially.

[@STOKERMATIC]

True. I haven’t had to put their warranty to test though.

[@jimmyfields5831]

AquaQuest is great I have the 15x15 AQ and was in severe weather that tornado warning’s were issued high winds done really well

[@bobhead6243]

I have the same tarp , It has gone through all kinds of weather , and has never let me down ! .

[@CPLBSS88]

suprised not to see DD tarps

[@elric68]

Great overview Top!!! I’m digging the look of the LightFighter tarp… I have a smaller Mulitcam tarp (5x8 MEST from Bushcraft Outfitters) and like it, but it would be nice to a little bit larger for better element protection. I was originally looking for something that was good cover, but smaller enough not to take up much room, something similar to the British Basha or Aussie Hootch… I might have to give some serious thought to the LightFighter down the road… Keep up the Fire!

[@STOKERMATIC]

It’s great! And such a great company to deal with too.

[@oodsigma4482]

Friend of mine just got me a Free Soldier tarp. It'll get plenty of use over the hammock in the yard and some trips further from home. If I decide to put more effort into hammock camping, I'll keep the Free Soldier at home for relaxing in the yard and pick up a better one for harder use.

[@PhilCherry3]

I roll with my DD 3x3 & 4x4 tarps. They are darn near bullet proof. The 3x3 gives great coverage. But the 4x4 is a palace! My 4x4 in particular has held up in multi-day driving rainstorms that would have ended things for other tarps. It didn't let a single drop of water through.

[@bermo61]

How can a 4x4 be a palace? Is that meters?

[@PhilCherry3]

@@bermo61 Yes, that’s in meters. Try it. You will see what I mean. The space under cover is amazing!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I've been using Aqua Quest Defender tarps for years, the defender series are very durable. 10x7 for emergencies, 10x10 is my go-to tarp and the 13x10 is great as an awning over the tailgate, all 3 are woodland camo pattern.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Awesome! I’d love to get a tropic multicam 5x8 I think. May have to break down and just buy a basha, but I don’t wanna 😂

[@NatureBetsLast]

I have a defender 10 x 13 for car camping but use the guide series 10 x 10 when on foot. 10 x 10 is the absolute best and guide series is lite. Made in canada.

[@joeyjones9041]

I run an Aqua Quest Safari 10x10 camo tarp in my Bug Out Bag, always been curious about the Defender Series for performance and durability, but ultimately chose the Safari for weight and bulk savings.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on!

[@bermo61]

Me too. The only difference between the Safari and Defender is the weight and waterproof coatings. Both are 70d but the safari is 1.7 lbs vs 3.3 lbs for the defender.

[@Gasman1788]

For what it’s worth, I carry a Basha tarp and it hasn’t let me down yet. But it is a lot smaller than these tarps. When I can afford it I’d really like to try tat aqua quest I hear a lot of good things about them

[@dwaynerobertson383]

Yep, great video. Full of info! After checking many, many videos and comments I decided to go with a 10X10 Aquaquest Defender. It's heavy...but it's 100% waterproof and tough. Has about 21 tie-outs on it, and there are pockets in all 4 corners for placing poles. I've had it up in 90kph winds, (three-sided pyramid configuration) with blowing rain and snow, low temps, it has never once failed me, and I do not expect it ever will. I don't worry too much about shaving grams off of every piece of gear I want. I want a folding shovel that isn't going to fail. I have several inexpensive lightweight plastic compasses (Suunto, Brunton, Coughlan's all decent compasses), but the Cammenga 3H is my 'always' carry. It's real heavy, compared to the plastic one's, but it isn't going to break if anyone steps on it (closed up of course), it isn't going to break if I drop it, it isn't going to freeze, it isn't going to develop bubbles, it isn't going to melt if it's near a fire - it's worth the extra weight, and so is the weight of the tarp I depend on to stay warm and dry.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Great thoughts! And for a good shovel, you can’t beat the Ames E Tool.

[@bermo61]

And the 20,000 mm hydrostatic testing blows anything else on the market away! AQ rocks. My pack liner for my backpack is AQ

[@Gamerhog2022]

I use a bushcraft USA tarp. Had it about 4 yrs doesn't get a lot of use but it's really well made.

[@springbloom5940]

The AquaQuest I bought 10 years ago, was assembled in Canadia, from Taiwanese materials. Still rockin it

[@bermo61]

Aqua quest is a Canadian company. Free soldier is based in China.

[@Buckeyes216]

Aauaquest is made in Thailand

[@bermo61]

It looks like they are made in Taiwan, but it is a Canadian company. “Aqua Quest Safari Sil Tarp--Square The company's web site indicates their location in the Pacific Northwest, and the maker's tag on the tarp indicates the tarp was "Designed and Licensed in Canada." The tarps themselves are made in Taiwan according to the plastic bag in which the tarp arrived.“

[@drinksafter]

I have a free soldier and I can agree, this is a good cheap tarp. I use it over my swag for wet nights never had an issue

[@STOKERMATIC]

Outstanding!

[@onedeadtony]

Hey Stoker 1. Sweet intro! 2. I have a Free Solider on your (and Kenny at Ugly Tent) recommendation. Perfect entry level. But looking at that 3 way you got going (yeah, I said it) I may need a couple more! That's a sweet setup! 3. I think you mean to say "Free Soldier" instead of "Aqua Quest" when comparing the two. 4. "My fault, your bad". It will be my goal this week to interject that into as many situations as possible. If you have one for "In the weeds", please share. I hate when people say that. 5. I'm headed to Ranger Survival now. Thanks, nice work, stay stoked!

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on brother! 🇺🇸🥃

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

I have the 10X10 Aqua Quest trap, had it now for 2½ years and is still standing strong, I also have a TentSmith oil skin 8X8 Tarp it's a awesome tarp also, but it costs 250$.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on!

[@timjackson4927]

Aqua quest is made in Canada…the defender,in my humble opinion, is superior to any other tarp I’ve ever used. For what it’s worth!!

[@PapaD1969]

Great video, I don't have any of those tarps but they seem outstanding.. I do have several different tarps of widely varying prices.. My favorite ones are the bearhard because one side is silver reflective so you can put reflective side out for a great shade or inside to help reflect heat from a fire in winter..

[@STOKERMATIC]

Awesome!

[@jamesparker6383]

I have the Aqua Quest Defender 10x10 a little heavy but I know I can count on it.

[@STOKERMATIC]

It is a good one!

[@jamesparker6383]

@@STOKERMATIC Thank ya, I really appreciate the videos that you do, I actually gain a lot of good info on them.

[@CubaLou1]

I know it’s been a year since this video, but I have to say that I honestly appreciate the comparison because it helped with my decision making process. I intend on going with the AquaQuest but the one question I have about it is, with the heavy lining on the inside, when I pitch it in a tent configuration, will it draw the heat as soon as the sun comes up and start baking my big ass, or is it tolerable? I appreciate the fact that it’s waterproof, but is it Cuban cooking proof? Funny but serious question.

[@JTDOutdoors]

aquaquest safari is my go to 100% there quality and price point is solid plus there canadian another reason I went with them. The reinforced ridge just screams durability in my eyes.

[@bermo61]

It did for me too. Have the same one in 10x10

[@tracyrreed]

I like my 3m x 3m DD tarp pretty well.

[@outdoorvideoswithbrad]

When I first started backpacking I just use cheap heavy duty tarps from Walmart and a hammock, I’ve been through rain and wind with them and held up, but anymore I use a GI poncho and liner and just lay on the ground, if it’s really bad I’ll just pack an extra poncho and make a hooch, I’ve camped out with family before just in the yard everyone got wet in there tents but I stayed dry with just my poncho over head with no walls haha, in the mountains I got a fort and built a log roof but I had an extra dollar store shower curtain laying around and put that on top and it’s been out in the elements and sun for about 4-5 months and still holds up

[@krasht1]

I have a DD Hammocks 10X10, (about $75) nice tarp, 19 tie outs and lots of reinforcement. If I was going to spend $200 on a tarp it would be an oilskin tarp, (I have one), too heavy to pack very far but that is what the DD tarp is for. The oilskin tarp will handle just about anything, 19 tie outs and heavily reinforced.

[@mikec.8556]

I have the lite fighter and aquaquest tarps both are great one thing is for sure they can repel tons of tears 🍻🍻

[@STOKERMATIC]

They sure can Mike! 🥃🍻🥃

[@toddgibson9861]

I run a DD tarp 3m x 3m most of the time. I also use a BCO 10x10 too.....both are good tarps.

[@johnburgin7478]

Satisfied with the DD ? Been eying them

[@toddgibson9861]

@@johnburgin7478 It's held up well over the last 3 years....so I'm satisfied. I'll buy another on for sure...

[@johnburgin7478]

@@toddgibson9861 thanks

[@jory6781]

I have had a DD for 7 years and other then the color fade from the sun its still rocking strong.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on!

[@williammcginley3448]

Not TOO experienced, but I'm DD all the way!

[@arctodussimus6198]

Been watching Ranger Survival and Fieldcraft for some time now. I like his presentation and dialog…. I remember his video on the USMC Survival Kit, you know, the one with the crayons… 😮😂🤣 I’ve never met an Army Ranger that I didn’t like. Good info on the tarps. I’ve been a military poncho guy for over 40 years. It’s too late to change now. Although I do like the British Basha that my brother in law gave me many years ago. Semper Fi

[@STOKERMATIC]

My favorite flavor is the grape.

[@Grizzly907LA]

What about the USMC tarp? I know it's heavier than the one you reviewed but it is nice. You might be able to find some in decent shape on Ebay.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Always good deals on EBay!

[@TonyTooTuff]

Thanks for doing this. I just bought a DD Hammock 3x3 and I wish I would have seen this first.

[@Buckeyes216]

you don’t like it?

[@TonyTooTuff]

I love it. It’s my favorite tarp I own. I was really doing a lot of research in to tarps before I spent the money for it. I would have like to have seen this before I purchased it and may have chosen another. Over all I am super happy with my choice and wouldn’t trade it for another.

[@ScottyD0578]

I believe the aqua quest model you have is the Defender model. The Guide model is lighter weight. I’d love to see it compared also. They also make a Safari model that’s the heaviest. I love Lightfighter. I have 3 of their tents. Thanks

[@timjackson4927]

The defender is the heaviest of the lineup, just above the safari!!

[@bermo61]

Defender is the heaviest at 3.3 lbs. The Safari is 1.7lbs and the guide is 1.3 lbs but Is 40d. The Safari and Defender are both 70d but the difference in weight is due to the waterproof coatings. The defender has hydrostatic rating of 20,000mm which is 4x that of the Safari or defender. But all that waterproofing comes at a weight penalty.

[@Patriot-American]

Hey Stoker.... Another spot on video from my favorite Top, g... 🇺🇸💪🏻🇺🇸🥃

[@alvintarrer6914]

Good stuff brother Stoke 👍☕️☕️✌️ appreciate your honesty 👊

[@roypaulcarter4654]

I have a 4x4 DD tarp. It is a very nice tarp.

[@yungsmile7546]

If you compared apples to apples it would be with Aqua Quest Guide which is 40D ripstop and by the way uerathane coated underside and silicone coated topside for a truly waterproof 5000mm water column and taped seams. I have two 10×10 and one 20×13 Guide tarps. Had my fill of cheap heavy crap and stepped up. They're the best value period.

[@lovellbadgett1965]

Hey Stoke, I run a D & D Superlight (about $80). I was really hoping, that my rig was going to be featured. Perhaps, in the future. 🍺🌮

[@STOKERMATIC]

Glad to hear it’s a good one!!

[@grantdavis7923]

I use a ARAER Camping Tent Tarp Hammock Rain Fly. They are $18.99 on Amazon and will work just fine for any SHTF or camping situation. Also, a good quality king size bed sheet treated with flex seal will do the job also. 😎

[@bermo61]

You get what you pay for. Any tarp will shed rain and that may be all you need, but for an emergency shelter in high winds, you need a tarp that has double sewn loops, not grommets that can tear out. I am guessing in a true survival situation, you might wish for a little more security than a $19 tarp can provide.

[@robbybankston4238]

How does the LiteFighter compare to the Orc Industries tarp in terms of strength and durability?

[@darrellcrowson8588]

So how do the Aquaquest and Litefighter compare to the Army issue wet weather tarp? (...and the Marine issue for you jarheads,,,lol)

[@peterott9162]

I think tha aquaquest would be #1 just because of its lifetime warranty. Then the free soldier due to it's lightweight and durable like the aquaquest, then the the other one would be last...just my opinion. Nice video my man! And yes ranger fieldcraft is and awesome channel!

[@STOKERMATIC]

I feel ya Peter!

[@thefucrew9865]

I actually have that same Free Soldier tarp...been using it for 3 years, here in the Chicago styled weather. A 30' L 550 cord Ridgeline, with 3-4 prusik loops, and 6 x Walmart (wannabe MSR Groundhog) tent stakes. Have used it in all 4 seasons: 3 as a hammock tarp/overhead, and as a ground shelter in the winter. I do have an AquaQuest tarp (the "Guide" version), but it is the 10'x13", in OD Green, that I just recently got, so I will be testing it out. I will be using a "Jungle Knots"-type of ridge line (30', made of Bank Line, to minimize the weight of all of that tarp system, at least for me, and is lighter than 30' of 550 cord, or the "Jungle Knots" version ridge line of 550 cord that you did a video on) that will require only 3 little wooden toggles (made out of 1/4" dowels) to attach it to the "Jungle Knots" ridge line, and guy lines (6 x 6' Jungle knot lines) with 6 x Walmart (wannabe MSR Ground Hog) tent stakes. I know that I will be taking along a couple of bank line loops lark's head or girth hitched to some more wooden toggles, just in case I need to make some extra connectors. Thank you for sharing all of your ideas, products, tips and ideas, Brother !!! Keep up the great work !!!

[@YesItsMeYaBoiMCnuggie]

So I was interested in survival and backpacking and really got into it after the military and have the freesoilder tarp, German weather is probably not as bad when it gets bad as over on your side of the pond, but would you say good buy or would you rather tend to the more expensive aqua quest?

[@thefucrew9865]

@@YesItsMeYaBoiMCnuggie, if I will just be doing missions, and bivouacing, then I say go for it. Even some hammocking. It is 10' x 10' (9' 7" x 9' 7"), so if you are comfortable with that, go for it. I personally like the Aquaquest because it is 10' x 12" so that I can cover more space, whether hammocking or setting it up as an "A Frame", to cover me and my gear. I also use the OneTigris Bulwark, because it is 10' x 12'. It is less expensive. The Free Soldier and Bulwark weigh in at 2.2 pounds +/- The Aquaquest one (the Guide), is at 1.1 pounds, but I am using a Jungle Knots ridge line, and 4 - 6 guy lines, plus stakes, made out of Atwood Micro Cord (1.18 mm, 100# test), which makes it really light. That will be mainly for warmer times. If colder, due to dexterity issues in the cold, I will switch to bank line (#32 or #36, I forget) Jungle Knot ridge and guy lines. I used the Free Soldier ones (I have the Brown with orange webbing ones for general use, and the all orange ones for emergencies - set up in the car and truck) for general purpose, until I could afford the Aquaquest. I will be purchasing the camo Free Soldier one soon, to see how the camo stands up to the surroundings. If you have any more questions, just reply here. Ensure you enjoy the outdoors. It's where we "center" ourselves with nature.

[@blackwolfpnw7632]

I have the aqua quest 10x10 and from what it says on Amazon it's made in the Pacific Northwest but that's per Amazon info

[@STOKERMATIC]

It’s a great one!

[@sqd8r]

Aquaquest Defender, all the way. There is nothing better.

[@bubba7626]

Anyone have any experience with the Texas Bushcraft 10x10 tarp? Its matalic reflective on one side. Considering it due to extreme temp changes in the high Chihuahuan Desert

[@johnruckman2320]

What mods would you do to them? Such as extra reinforcing, extra strategic loops(like ridgeline loops), extra reinforced grommets, etc. Can you order factory modifications?

[@STOKERMATIC]

I don’t think you could order with mods. TBH I’m not sure I would do too much, as it would add some weight.

[@footsoldierpatriot6656]

What can I say but, this shit got me STOKED on a sunday brother👍😎🇺🇸 thanks for a solid video..." You can fit 3 fingers in it " Lmao😅

[@STOKERMATIC]

👊😂🤣🥃🇺🇸

[@pjccwest]

Thanks!

[@traditionalcampcraft]

Curious why Helikon Tex didn’t make the cut!! Aqua makes a great product good stuff sir!! 🙌🏼💪🏼

[@STOKERMATIC]

Well…I don’t have one. 🤣😂🤣

[@traditionalcampcraft]

@@STOKERMATIC well that’s a great reason why 😂🤣

[@pakleader4]

Looking for someone with the 20/13 tarp aquaquest defender tarp and different set ups. Gonna purchase two more in different patterns. But trying different configurations is the problem that I I don’t have time to set up. Oh and ranger Rick is my choice of all the others. SEMPER FI

[@STOKERMATIC]

6 Tarp Shelters in 10 Minutes kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2HEkIqOqa6tiac

[@roypaulcarter4654]

DD tarp 3x3 is pretty good.

[@bermo61]

I’ve heard good things about DD. I think they were purchased by RAB

[@MichaelR58]

Good review , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@tedschober5734]

Aquaquest is made in Taiwan, I just purchased one!

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Good one.

[@johnburgin7478]

Andrew is a good guy . Figure Randall is going to try corrupt him with PBR’s and dump him in the manzanita. 😁 Good comparison( tarps ) Guess it boils down to budget. Have a great evening

[@STOKERMATIC]

Same to ya John!

[@ricksilver7398]

DD tarp 3x3

[@ricksilver7398]

Hammock with bug net is good as well. I would recommend changing the tree straps to whoopy strings. It makes for quicker adjustments without having to keep untying the straps to get the right hang

[@HighlanderMikeGolf]

Sure beats a shelter-half…especially if you don’t have a battle-buddy.

[@ourtechwriter]

Defender!

[@HotZone97]

Hey Top, you need to check out Bearhard tarps !

[@STOKERMATIC]

Will do!

[@garethpriestley9545]

Brittsh army basha for me is good enough

[@mihailvormittag6211]

👍

[@briandippel8435]

Top Three Tarps should be renamed 3 cheap basic shelters.

[@louiemorris9598]

I bought the free Soldier tarp off of your older video, in GOD'S color woodland. . I like it. I use it to save my snugpak. You can't go wrong with any of them. You Need to see which one fits your system.

[@STOKERMATIC]

So true Louie! The Free Soldier has held up well for me.

[@thriftysurvivor6117]

Free Soldier is made in China and the Aquaquest is made in Canada.

[@dharris101]

AquaQuest is made in Taiwan (China)

[@STOKERMATIC]

☝️

[@timothyward7381]

Idk how lite fighter got the military contract for tents they suck beyond believe

[@Gamble9110]

I think you mean “Ergonomical” not “economical”

[@SgtsTanTaco]

If the litefighter tarp is anything like their rainfly..I'll pass

[@matthewbartholomew4262]

Sometimes I miss how he says China……

[@STOKERMATIC]

🤣😂

[@robman247]

Nice show and tell , demo and very informational on these products 👍👌✌️🫡🇺🇸